Motivation Letter

Being a resident of the mountainous Gilgit-Baltistan region of Pakistan, I am highly motivated to apply for Applying Design Thinking to advance SDGs in South Asia on the following grounds:

 

• Because of its unique geography, Pakistan in general and Gigit-Baltistan, in particular, is highly vulnerable to climate change. The region is home to the world’s largest system of glaciers outside the polar region. The area is mostly covered by high rugged snow-capped mountains of Karakoram, Hindukush, Himalayas, and Pamirs. These mountains are a key source of water to the plains of the country. Due to the rapid rise in temperatures the glaciers are melting at an unprecedented rate in recent years. Flash floods, glacial lake outbursts, landslides, water scarcity, land degradation, road blockades, accessibility issues, deforestation, unplanned urbanization, land usage, and rapid influx of tourists have put the lives of local communities in deep concern. In such worst situations, the local communities suffer great losses. These problems are linked directly/indirectly to climate change. The involvement of local communities in combating climate change is inevitable. They are an important part of the process. On the other hand, they need to be educated on dealing with these climate change born issues.

     

• Gilgit-Baltistan is home to one of unique fauna including Snow Leopard, Himalayan Ibex, Marco Polo Sheep, Markhor, Blue Sheep, Lynx, Himalayan Brown Bear, Eagles, Wolf, Fox and many more. Many of these were considered endangered or on the edge of extinction a few decades ago. However, community involvement in national parks and conservation areas has significantly increased the number of these wildlife. Also, a project (trophy hunting) launched by the government with the help of INGOs and the local community have decreased illegal hunting in the area. Some other parts of the region still have past practice. The researchers have noticed that the population of Himalayan ibex, markhors, and their predator snow leopard has been considerably increased in recent years. These efforts clearly show the impact of organizing, educating, and involvement of local communities at the decision-making level. These best practices can be replicated in other areas of the province.

  

• Waste Management is one of the burning issue of Gilgit-Baltistan. I have mentioned above that the influx of tourists in the area and increase in population in major towns have put the environment at stake. The environmental protection agency is nowhere. The district-level government agencies have formed waste management authorities, however, due to lack of technology and modern best practices they fire the waste in open grounds which releases toxic gases into the air which is more harmful than the waste itself. It must be on the top priority list of the provincial government to reduce air pollution by installing a proper recycling machine on each dumping site. This can be achieved through public and health policy, which is lacking.  

 

• The sustainable development goals can only be met by the participation of the local people and their grassroots level organizations i.e. Civil Society Organizations.

 

• I feel lucky to apply for this prestigious program which will surely enable me to think and rethink the topics mentioned in your course. These topics are very important to me and my area. I will transfer knowledge, skills, and best practices to my people and communities around me so that they can be the best catalyst for future SDGs programs.

 

Ahmed Nayyar

Hunza, Pakistan

Trek to the Baltar Glacier, Western Karakoram, Pakistan

Camping site & Kamani Peak

 Camping Site at 3200 meters in the Baltar glacier of Western Karakoram range in northern Pakistan. The pasture is lush green with high altitude trees (names unknown to me) dominated by snow capped mountains. The area is home to a group of shepherds who graze their cattle in the grazing season of summers. The Baltar trek is very easy for trekking as compared to other familiar treks in the region. On our way, we only crossed a black glacier which was so nice and fascinating that it offer us a little hardship. 

 

 

Baltar Pasture

Here I am standing for a photograph to keep it as an evidence that we once trek to the Baltar (Wall Pasture). The Shepard huts can be visible in the rear of the picture. My friends are on their way to join me, today we are going to see Batura Wall South Face. Unfortunately, lightning rain force us to come back. I just have a glimpse of Batura-I. It was an amazing memory. The place was unknown to me, I did not care for any land slide, avalanche or any other disaster in such harsh weather conditions.  

Kamani Peak Ice flow

Baltar Glacier

 

Polish climbers set to conquer formidable Karakoram peak

The first-ever winter ascent on Batura I, aka Saddle Peak, the 25th highest peak in the world (7,795 meters a.s.l.) located in the Batura Muztagh, western Karakoram range has been abandoned from its North Face reachable from Passu through Batura Glacier. The 8 member polish team will try to attempt the peak from its South Face located in the Batokushi, Muchuhar valley, accessible from Hassanabad, Hunza.

The expedition is organized under the Artur Hajzer’s Polish Winter Himalaism programme, which is set to end in early March 2020, has another, long-term goal, namely to select the best climbers from among the group for the next attempt of conquering K2, the second-highest peak in the world (8,611 metres a.s.l.) by winter #2020/2021.
 
Batura I was first summit in 1976, but is yet to be tamed during winter.

Sirbaz Khan - Emerging Athelete from Gilgit-Baltistan

“I use to go into the mountains from my early childhood. I remember, I was 6 when I went out to the mountains, for the first time, with my late uncle to graze our cattle. I was fascinated and mesmerized by the breathtaking bird eye view of my home town from the grazing area. I asked myself how beautiful it would be - to be on top of the mountain and see the other sides of the world. As times goes by, it became a routine for me, as it was our tradition to graze cattle in the winters. I started going to the mountains with my friends taking our cattle with us. In summers we went to the pastures. The beautiful landscapes and serenity compel me towards these gigantic Karakorum Mountains.” Sirbaz Khan, 30, said. He continued. “Whenever I go out in to the mountains it gives me a spiritual calmness”.

He started his early education from Government Boys High School, Aliabad Hunza from where he got his Secondary School Certificate. Then he moved to Karachi for his further studies. He got his Higher Secondary School Certificate in I.Com as a private candidate from Karachi. However, he didn’t continue his studies due to his interests and passion in tourism. “I came back to work in a Tours Agency, where I was hired as a Mess Boy”. He said. A mess boy is an important one in a trekking and expedition group. He provides food and carried out other refreshment activities for the group members. “During this time, I got an opportunity to take supplies of (one of the expedition I was travelling with) to Camp 1 of two 8000’er peaks i.e. Gasherbrum I & II.”

He started his climbing career in 2016. “My inspiration came from Nazir Sabir (1^st Pakistani to conquer Mount Everest) and Ashraf Aman (1^st Pakistani to conquer K2)”. He added. In 2017 with an international expedition he set off for first autumn expedition to Nanga Parbat (8,124m). They successfully attempted the summit on 2^nd October, 2017. “On one spot I was suffering from frostbite in my left foot, I suppose to go down, on the other hand the summit was very nearer to me. I hearten myself and push for the summit, I was praying in heart.” He declared. Also known as the Killer Mountain “Nanga Parbat” has a unique geology for climbers. Its Kinshofer route displays an 80 degree straight wall, which is the most challenging route.

Recently he conquers mount K2 the second highest peak in the world. K2 has claimed more lives than any other peak in the world. It seduces the climbers by its exceptional pyramid style outlook. It has also nicked as the most treacherous and notorious peak. “Till camp 4 K2 is mostly rocky and we have to cross House’s Chimney and ladders. At times the rocks became true vertical as in a wall in a house – 90 degrees. The next challenge was to cross hanging vertical ice - Bottleneck couloir. A group member fell down in front of me on bottleneck, he was exhausted and loss his mental control, I was lucky that I summit K2 without supplementary oxygen.” He exclaimed. A climber must have physical and mental strength to go up to such heights. “Initially my family was not happy with me; they were asking me to join public sector job. Now they are satisfied with my work.” He sighed. If someone has true passion in doing something he can achieve his goals. On 24^th July, 2018 he reaches the summit. To be a good climber one need to have interest, patience, hard work and of course team work.

Apart from his sports career he was an active member of Ismaili Boys Scouts. His voluntary services to the community are remarkable. As AKYSB sports player he has participated in Golden Jubilee Games in Volleyball and Athletics. He has represented Hunza in many national events like JOSH and DJ games. His services to promote mountaineering in the region are extraordinary. He has trained tens of female youth in rock climbing who also participated in the national wall climbing event. “I am a firm believer that these young girls can excel their career in a fine mountaineering field. They can break the rational mindset of people towards women.”

“My mission is to work for these girls – so they can have a good platform for their future endeavors.” He insisted. In Gilgit-Baltistan people particularly girls are still forced to choose their careers by their guardians. People have different interests and goals; they must be encouraged to choose whatever they want.

A Hat-Trick Summit of Nanga Parbat

A Hat-Trick Summit of Nanga Parbat

Ali Sadpara, Photo by: Alex Txikon

Ali Sadpara, born 1977, a Pakistani Mountaineer cum High Altitute Porter, reached the summit of Nanga Parbat 8,125m for the first time in winter season along with Italian Alpinist Simone Moro and Spanish Alex Txikon on 26^th February, 2016. This was his record 3^rd time to conquer the Killer Mountain from the Kinshofer route on Diamer Face; in total he has made 6 ascents of four achttausanders located in Pakistan including K2/Chogori in 2004, Gasherbrum-II in 2006, Gasherbrum-I in 201o.

Ali Sadpara is very little known alpinist in Pakistan; even at his home particularly Gilgit-Baltistan. He began his mountaineering career as a low altitude porter in 2000 before that he used to live from extracting marble in Balochistan and selling it in Karachi. Although, started as a mean to earn a living, he soon discovered his great affection for mountains and climbing. “I always feel happy in the mountains. Since the day when I got to know about them for the first time and worked as a porter, it has always been my desire to climb them. Now I could make money easily in Sadpara – village – or in Skardu – main town in the area–, or even in Islamabad, but I feel happy here (in the mountains).” He told during an interview with Alex Txikon in 2015.

Unlike Sherpas in Nepal, the local High Altitude Porters came into known after Nanga Parbat maiden summit in 1953; in which high altitude porters from Hunza were hired by the expedition. “I have always climbed a mountain by putting my feet in someone others boot” said, Pakistani Mountaineer Nazir Sabir, during a session. In Pakistan Mountaineering is very less interested subject but for Ali and many others it’s the only hope or source of income generation. During his 16 years of mountaineering career, he had worked with more than 16 expeditions - fixing ropes and making ways for them.   

He made some other important climbing activities that deserve appreciation. In 2006 he reached, alone, Spantik 7,027m summit after opening a new route. In 2008 and 2010 winters he fixed Broad Peak route up to Camp 3 for the polish team; and did so in 2012 winter in Gasherbrum-I; equipped Japanese Couloir from Camp 2 to Camp 3.

Ali Sadpara is first and the only Pakistani to climb an eight-thousander in winter.

Yaghistan

Yaghistan (land of rebels) were the territories of the former Frontier Province Northwest refuge where the guerrillas (mujahidun) spread out against the British in the nineteenth and early twentieth century. Basically corresponds to Mohmand Agency, Buner, Dir, Swat, Kohistan, Hazara and Chamarkand. In fact even before the British era these areas were called as Yaghistan al-Kadima. The rebels took refuge near fertile valleys, lakes or rivers where they were self-sufficient in food and could take refuge after guerrilla actions.

Muslims revolted against the Sikhs of the Punjab and Kashmir and later against the British; rebels from different places gathered at Yaghistan. The first head of the rebels was Sayyid Ahmad Brelwi but the rebels were defeated seriously in Balakot 6 May 1831, Brelwi and his lieutenants were killed by the Sikhs. During first Anglo-Afghan War (1839-1842) the head of Yaghi (rebels) was Mawlana Nasir al-Din who support Dost Muhammad; then reach Mawlana direction Wilayat Ali (died 1852) followed his brother Mawlana Inayat Ali. Although the jihad centers in Yaghistan were destroyed by the British in the second half of the nineteenth century, the rebels were reconstructed or new strength and maintained; New leaders emerged as Nadjm Hadda Din al-Mulla (died 1902) and Sad Allah Mulla Khan Mastan (Mad Mullah) died in 1916. In 1902, the rebel leader Abd al-Karim ibn Wilayat Ali settled in the Buner Asmast near the river Swat; during World War I, another rebel center (rival) settled in Chamarkand in Afghan territory under Malwlana Muhammad Ali Kasuri, Mawlana Abd al-Karin Kannawdji (died 1922); Mawlawi Muhammad Bashir (died 1934) Hajji Tarangzai m (died 1937) and Mawlawi Fadl Ilahi Wazirabadi (died 1951) who fought the British in several smaller battles. The mujahidun often allied to other anti-colonial movements like Hizb Allah Djunud Rabbaniyya, Hukumat and Muwakkata-yi-Hind and the Jamiat al-Ansar.

After the 1947 original jihad movement lost importance; many rebels took part in the fighting in Kashmir against India (1948). the participation of the local people was also important in the fight in Afghanistan against the progressive government introduced in April 1978.

Memorandum for Partnership and Development

You great entity and the Honorable and valuable guests, I have honor and pleasure of welcoming you all here at this very historical palace in the heart of Hunza. It became proverbial that “Sino-Pak relations are higher than the Karakorum’s and deeper than the Arabian Sea”. We Hunzukuz (People of Hunza) expect that the moment which we were waiting since long has been over and we believe your blissful visit will set a foundation for lasting development ahead. This place witnessed the foundation of relations between the People’s Republic of China (PRC) and the Islamic Republic of Pakistan (IRP) however Sino-Hunza relations backed to 19^th century when Mir Safdar Ali Khan build a firm relations with the PRC.  Respected chief guest, we deem it suitable to make this gathering fruitful and making the event historical one with consistent practical results by your kind presence. Here we rightly mention some points solving these direct development and stronger relations with the common men and women of Hunza desires and anticipates.

Your majesty, no one knows better than you that the fertile land of Hunza produces dynamic talent yet they face severe economic crisis in accomplishing their educational journey. We request your honor to facilitate the scholarships to our emerging intellectual youth who are waiting to take admission in Chinese Universities who ultimately would become cultural ambassadors of peace and development between the two countries.

His Excellency, Prime Minister of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan Mian Muhammad Nawaz Sharif has not only shown personal interest but practically signed an MOU with PRC government to establish an economic corridor between the countries through the land of Hunza. We request your honor to chalk out plan to benefit us by giving special concession declaring Hunza as a free trade zone in this regard.

It is a sound reality that PRC has surpassed all the world economies by a miracle speed. It has many leading tourist resorts; annually it receives highest number of tourists around the world. We the people of Hunza request your government to extend the access to Hunza through Khunjrav Top and assure their transit to Hunza on easy terms so that Hunza too would prosper.

As your kind honor is well aware of the fact that language is not only a source of identity but it assures the stronger ties between different people having different linguistic backgrounds. We wish you may lead us in establishing a Sino-Hunza language and cultural centre.

At last but not least the biggest issue the country of Pakistan confronts these days is electricity but Hunza suffers the most. The people of Hunza believes that if the government of your country the super power of all would take personal interest by all means of support the problem will be curbed within a year. We are looking forward to your government to shake hand with Mir of Hunza regarding the settlement of electricity crisis.

Finally we thank you all our distinguished guests to see you here in Hunza, we hope that your majesties will give us the same opportunity to welcome you here again.

Presented to

His Excellency, Ambassador of PRC in Islamabad, Pakistan

Deputy Secretary Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region